Police: Student cited after making CHS threat

A Colchester High School student is facing a criminal charge after telling another student he planned to “shoot up the school” while on a school bus last Monday afternoon, Colchester Police said in a press release on Tuesday.

Alex Cardosi, 18, was cited with disorderly conduct, CPD said.

The school bus driver first reported the information to district officials, and investigators worked to tentatively identify the student who made the threat, police said. They met with Cardosi and his parents on Monday evening and determined it was safe for normal school activities to commence, according to the release.

A police presence was “in place” at CHS, Colchester Middle School and Malletts Bay School “as an acknowledgement of the added anxiety this situation had placed on our affected students, parents and staff,” police wrote.

“We understand situations such as this are concerning to parents, students and the greater community,” a letter sent home to Colchester parents said. “The safety and welfare of each child is paramount to our district and all threats, credible or not, will be taken seriously.”

Notification of the possible CHS threat came just hours after Milton Middle School administrators learned a student posted a threatening message on social media over the weekend.

Late last week, 18-year-old Jack Sawyer pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges after police arrested him in connection with a mass shooting threat at Fair Haven Union High School. That incident came just two days after 17 people were killed in a school shooting in Parkland, Fla.

District communications director Meghan Baule confirmed the Porters Point School dress rehearsal and musical scheduled to take place at the high school today were rescheduled due to the potential threat.

School officials encouraged any students needing support to stop by the guidance office and to call on School Resource Officer Mark Jacobs and Lt. Doug Allen as a resource.

“We know that are students will have a lot of questions regarding this situation,” the letter said. “We assure you that we will share more information as it becomes available to us.”

Police say the investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call 264-5555.